Question:
Navel area. 2 weeks post op pain.

I am 2 weeks post op from an open RNY. I had no problems until yesterday when I felt this pain above the navel area and next to suture line -pain is very sharp when I sneeze, cough, laugh, bend or turn. Is this a hernia -if so should I be calling my doctor right away? Hate to bother over the weekend but am getting anxious and very uncomfortable.    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 2, 2000)

December 2, 2000
I am 2 months post op and I still have sharp burning pains in three areas of my stomach off and on. It is possible since your pain is one area that it may be a weakness but it could also be an area of your incision where a nerve was cut and it takes time to heal. I live by the fact that our surgeons received a large amount for our surgery and I never hesitate to call. If in doubt call your surgeon better to be safe than sorry. More than likely it is nothing but the healing process but you never know
   — kcraig

December 2, 2000
I agree with what Mr./Ms. Craig said. It could be a band of scar tissue (which tightens as healing progresses) tugging on the wound, or a weak pace in the muscle wall repair "threatening" to become a hernia. Don't panic--it's probably nothing to worry about. But DO call the surgeon Monday a.m. and ask to be seen. (Not because it's serious, but because surgeons can't diagnose over the phone, though some will try.) And in the unlikely event you develop steady pain which is gradually worsening, or crampy and intense, go to the ER, because that would be a sign of something which needs immediate help. P.S. Congratulations for having made it through your surgery okay. Jesse
   — Jesse M.

December 3, 2000
i too am two weeks post-op and seem to have the same pain you've described. sure may me feel better someone else is having it too. lol i have my 2 wk check-up tomorrow and will decuss it with my surgeon. best of luck janis the va. girl
   — janis T.

December 5, 2000
The pain you are experiencing may be your muscles healing. I don't think it's a hernia but I hope you called your surgeon to get a heads up on what it could be. Good Luck,
   — Marni